I'm currently using the new Google Maps beta, which has a wonderful 'transit layer.' Is anyone else using this layer or experimented with it? What do people think of it? In particular, what do people think of the fact that Metro lines are not visible on the transit layer, nor do the lines appear when you select a station (just the arrival info appears)? Is this because of DC and security concerns? Or has no one gone through the effort to put in the lines? I know documentation exists that is easily accessible that shows exactly where each line runs, so maybe the information just needs to be put into the system by users?
For those that have no idea what I am talking about, some background: In Google Maps beta the transit layer (which I think is available under the drop down menu on the existing Google Maps interface) highlights the area's public transit network and de-emphasizes roads, etc. So, for instance, when activated for NYC or Paris, you get a wonderful visualization of all of the subway/metro lines and one can easily see their routes, connections, etc (and by routes I mean their actual route, not Metro's stylized version). Another wonderful benefit is that, even without activating the transit layer, if in NYC (or again Paris, etc) you click on a station, all of the lines that run through that station appear so you can see what lines serve that station and where they go. Also, even lines that do not serve the selected station appear, but they are a bit thinner and less obtrusive. The benefit of all of this is that you can click on A station and see that "oh, from A station I can take the 123 line north, and then I see that at B station the 5 line stops on its way to Z'. Add to this the information Google has on departure times and transit directions and it's a great tool that I use when traveling. Now, if only it existed in DC.
For those that have no idea what I am talking about, some background: In Google Maps beta the transit layer (which I think is available under the drop down menu on the existing Google Maps interface) highlights the area's public transit network and de-emphasizes roads, etc. So, for instance, when activated for NYC or Paris, you get a wonderful visualization of all of the subway/metro lines and one can easily see their routes, connections, etc (and by routes I mean their actual route, not Metro's stylized version). Another wonderful benefit is that, even without activating the transit layer, if in NYC (or again Paris, etc) you click on a station, all of the lines that run through that station appear so you can see what lines serve that station and where they go. Also, even lines that do not serve the selected station appear, but they are a bit thinner and less obtrusive. The benefit of all of this is that you can click on A station and see that "oh, from A station I can take the 123 line north, and then I see that at B station the 5 line stops on its way to Z'. Add to this the information Google has on departure times and transit directions and it's a great tool that I use when traveling. Now, if only it existed in DC.
Living in Broadlands, VA; Working at Half & L SE, DC.